Trondheim walking tour & city guide

Nidaros and the old town

Nidaros Cathedral, built over the grave of St Olav, is the world's northernmost medieval cathedral and was a major pilgrimage site. The Old Town Bridge leads to Bakklandet, a neighborhood of wooden houses and cafés.

The river

Colorful wooden warehouses on stilts line the river. The bicycle lift in Bakklandet, the first of its kind, helps cyclists up the steep hill.

A day in Trondheim

Begin at Nidaros Cathedral, where the west front is covered with statues, and climb the tower for a view of the city. Then walk across the Old Town Bridge to Bakklandet, where cafés occupy colorful wooden houses along narrow cobbled streets.

In the afternoon, climb to Kristiansten Fortress for views over the river and the fjord, and stop at the Ravnkloa fish market by the water.

Good to know

Trondheim is the end of the St. Olav's Way pilgrimage route. Every summer, the St. Olav Festival celebrates the saint.

It is a city of students and technology, with a lively café culture and food scene.

Why people love it

Trondheim was founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997 and was Norway's capital in the Viking Age. Today it is the country's third-largest city, with a relaxed atmosphere and a strong student population at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Its food scene is acclaimed, built on local produce from the Trøndelag region. On summer days, the island of Munkholmen, an old monastery and fortress in the fjord, is a short boat trip away and popular for swimming.